My brother(18) and I(16) are going to get a betta fish soon. But as I am trying to figure out the cost of all the things I need I don't know all I need to get to make sure the fish will be healthy. If you can tell me anything I need to get or have to make sure the boy will be healthy please tell me. It will help.

My brother(18) and I(16) are going to get a betta fish soon. But as I am trying to figure out the cost of all the things I need I don't know all I need to get to make sure the fish will be healthy. If you can tell me anything I need to get or have to make sure the boy will be healthy please tell me. It will help.

- Soft decoration that is safe for a betta's long fins like silk plants or a cave so they can hide and feel safe. (You can use coffee mugs too)
- Fish net and a cup
- Light (optional but they cannot be in the dark)
- Gravel (optional) you can have a barebottom tank which is easier to clean
- Live plants (optional)
- Termometre
- Water testing kit (optional, basic tests should be at least ammonia and PH)
- Tank lid (optional but highly recommended)
For a +5 gallon tank:

- adjustable heater (depends on tank size)
- conditioner for water
- food
- Soft decorations that is safe for a betta's long fins like silk plants or a cave so they can hide and feel safe.
- Filter (if you are going to cycle the tank, read about cycling here:http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=47838 )(If you are cycling the tank you need a water master testing kit)
- Fish net and a cup
- Light (optional but they cannot be in the dark)
- Gravel (optional) or thin sand. You can have a barebottom tank which is easier to clean
- Live plants (optional)
- Thermometre
- tank lid optional but highly recommended.

I just wanted to jump in and add that buying medication is optional at this point but you might want to keep that list in handy just in case you do end up with a sick Betta.

I would also like to add in, please, get a glass thermometer. They are so much more accurate than the sticky strips and you can use them both inside and out when you are doing water changes (don't want to accidentally use water that is too hot or cold).

As for the getting a net, while highly recommended (and needed in some cases), I suggest you learn to use the cup your Betta comes in to try and scoop him out for water changes (if and when need be). Nets can damage a Bettas delicate fins. It took me a while to get the hang of cupping but normally all you have to do is wait for the Betta to swim to the surface and scoop from behind. The vacuum should pull the Betta into the cup.

Asuka's post gave you a lot of helpful info. If you want a tank that costs a little less but requires more maintenance, get a 2 - 4 gallon tank. This size tank doesn't require a filter because filters are mostly used to grow benefical bacteria (bb) in that will "clean" the water (get the ammonia and nitrites out). This is what it means to "cycle" a tank...to grow a colony of bb that will keep the ammonia and nitrites at a safe level. A 2-4 gallon tank is too small to establish a cycle in because there is not enough surface area. Therefore, a 2 - 4 gallon tank must undergo at least 2 50% water changes weekly.

A 5+ gallon tank is large enough to establish a cycle in, so you will want a filter. This is what I recommend because you will need to do only 1 partial water change per week once your tank is established. My 5.5 gallon Top Fin starter kit came with the tank, a hood, a Top Fin Power Filter 10, and an incandescent light bulb - $29.99 on either Petco or Petsmart website, I forget. So, this is what you'd need:

If you have none of these things already, you're looking at $80-$100 to start your 5+ gallon setup. Please read about The Nitrogen Cycle if you're going to cycle your tank because it can be very harmful to your fish if not done properly.

If you are low budget your friend will be a dollar store. Tanks are expensive when you cannot afford a +5 gallon, you can always get big square vases like this:

Or cilinder:

The more tank like it looks the better! And they cost a lot less than in aquarium stores.

Also decor wise you can get silk plants from craft stores (as long they do not have metal within the stems because it can rust) and marbles for the bottom or sand used for swimming pool filters (rinsed very well)

As a cheap hidey hole, you can use candle holders/incense holders

And even things like coffee mugs...

Thermometers which you can get in dollar stores...

You can upgrade them later slowly as you get money.

This will save you a lot of money and the main costly things will be the heater.

The important thing is to have fun, be creative with your set up and make sure that the betta has enough room to swim around, interact with its things and you, and that the decor won't hurt him or his fins.

Also medication is not entirely optional, but if low on money its good to at least have aquarium salt in hand.